city they didn't have the same feeling and they do now and i should say, even in california, the local cbs-5 poll, showing an 8-point gain for mitt romney, he's still, what, 14 points behind in california but if he is moving up that far in california that is not insignificant. i think without a doubt, mitt romney in this debate has to show the connection and ability to be self-deprecating but on the march and staying off the defensive. when he's on the defensive i think he looks weak and he has to stay on the march. >> chris: what is the top priority, bob for the president in the debate and given it is a town hall, how does he get more aggressive with romney when he has to respond to the questions of real people about their real problems and he's not just getting questions from reporters? >> well, to answer your broad question, the race is volatile and can go either direction, i think. and what is really important for obama, he can't come on in the next debate, and all of a sudden be a different person. in a radical way. people are going to say, wait, is it showmanship? and i think the key